Unveiling the Election Results: 4 Crucial Elements Examined on Our Platform

On the eve of the next big U.S. election, the buzz around Washington D.C. is palpable as the Senate is projected to lean slightly towards the Republican party, while the race for the presidency remains neck-and-neck between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. The control of the House of Representatives remains uncertain.

Regardless of who reaches the White House, a significant shift in policies is expected, with various implications for the Air Force, Space Force, and the entire military family. Here are four major changes we can anticipate:

Political Shuffle

Regardless of who holds the presidential seat, a reshuffle of the civilian leadership of the national security enterprise is on the cards, starting with the Pentagon. The Defense Secretary and their team, as well as the Air Force Secretary and their civilian leadership, are appointed positions subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Upon taking office, incoming administrations often replace these civilian leaders. Notable exceptions include President Barack Obama's decision to retain Defense Secretary Robert Gates, a Republican appointee, for a prolonged period. However, this time around, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III, a Biden ally and current incumbent, is expected to step down. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, who has shown interest in continuing his tenure, may stay if he finds favor with the new administration.

Potential Personalities

If Trump emerges victorious, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and an advocate for Air Force programs, is a likely contender for the Defense Secretary position. On the other hand, a Harris administration could mark American history with the country's first female Secretary of Defense, with Army Secretary Christine Wormuth and Michelle Flournoy, a former Undersecretary for Policy under Gates during the Obama years, being among the leading candidates.

Congressional Power Struggle

The Hill predicts a 75% chance of Republicans winning the Senate. If successful, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, may take the chairman position. In a Republican-led House, Rep. Mike Rogers (Ala.), an ardent advocate for the Space Force, will remain chair of the House Armed Services Committee. If Democrats take control of the House, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) could gain prominence.

Competitive Races

Key races to watch include those of Nebraska Republicans Rep. Don Bacon and Sen. Deb Fischer, both staunch advocates for the Air Force, and Montana Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat with a strong record of supporting ICBM modernization. If elected, these legislators could significantly influence military policies.

A new wave of military veterans could also join Congress, with several former Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard members running for Congress. According to a Military Times analysis, a majority of these candidates are favored to win.

Regardless of who wins the presidency, a change in the Pentagon's leadership is anticipated, with the Defense Secretary and their team, as well as the Air Force Secretary, positioned for potential replacement.
In a Trump presidency, Senator Tom Cotton, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, could be a probable Defense Secretary candidate, advocating for Air Force programs.
In a Harris administration, there's a possibility of making history with the first female Secretary of Defense, with candidates like Army Secretary Christine Wormuth and Michelle Flournoy, a former Undersecretary for Policy under Gates, being favorites.
The probability of Republicans gaining control of the Senate is predicted at 75%, which could lead to Senator Roger Wicker, the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, potentially taking the chairman position.
In the event of a Republican-led House, Representative Mike Rogers, an ardent Space Force supporter, will continue as the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.
If Democrats take control of the House, Representative Chrissy Houlahan, a Democrat known for her military service, could become more prominent.
Key races to watch in military policies include those of Rep. Don Bacon and Sen. Deb Fischer, both Air Force supporters, and Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat backing ICBM modernization.
The upcoming election could see a new wave of military veterans entering Congress, with several former Air Force members favored to win, according to a Military Times analysis.